Before we go
Amy Bright
Before we go
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Amy Bright
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered what secrets a family might hide just beneath the surface? Emily, Alex, and his sister find themselves tangled in mysteries that stretch back through generations, all while standing at the edge of a hospital bed. What truths will change their futures forever?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Before We Go is a middle-grade novel about a 17-year-old girl, Emily, who, during a hospital visit to her dying grandmother, encounters Alex and his sister. Together, they uncover deep family secrets that impact their lives and futures. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book sensitively addresses themes of illness, death, and family dynamics.
Why we rated Before we go 11ME
Before we go is written at a Level 6 reading level across 231 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Before we go works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Before we go as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Before we go explores family, teenagers, death, secrets, and juvenile fiction — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, teenagers, death.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780889954717
- Pages
- 231
- Publisher
- Red Deer Press
- Published
- 2012
- Type
- Fiction